Costa Mesa Family Lawyer

The Law Offices of Lisa R. McCall has been helping families for many years with their family law legal matters. The dedicated legal team at our law firm has a deep understanding of family law and can confidently help you navigate your family law matter to find the right solution for you. We have extensive experience resolving a wide range of complex issues. Some of the most common include:

Divorce

In the state of California, if a couple decides to end their marriage the reason is typically stated as the couple having “irreconcilable differences.” Because California is a no-fault state, one spouse’s actions that may have caused the marriage to break down does not need to be proven and will usually not affect how property is divided or how spousal or child support is granted.

The divorce process begins with one spouse filing for divorce and does not require the consent of the other spouse. A family lawyer can benefit you in many ways by helping you find solutions and focus on your goals during a difficult and highly emotional time.

Mediation

Some couples can benefit from mediation or alternative dispute resolution, where the negotiation of the details of the divorce takes place privately with a third party. Mediation can also give the couple more control over the decisions made at a pace they are comfortable with.

Mediation may not be right for everyone if spouses are unable to come to any agreements on major issues and the divorce will have to be litigated in family court. Enlisting help from a seasoned family lawyer can help you obtain the results you desire, by exploring what is suitable for your family, and guide you through that process.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence does not only include physical abuse but also can include psychologically or emotionally abusive actions. According to California Penal Code 273.5, any kind of domestic violence is illegal, and those who are victims may seek out protection and initiate a restraining order. They may also choose to pursue criminal charges against the abuser.

Seeking help can be a frightening experience for the victim of domestic violence. Having the assistance of a compassionate and seasoned family lawyer can help make the process a little smoother and ensure the issue is properly addressed.

Our legal team can also assist with cases of false claims of abuse. Charges of this nature can negatively affect your employment, reputation, and child custody arrangements, and it is crucial to address any false claims with the help of a skilled Costa Mesa family lawyer.

Alimony and Child Support

A major issue that must be determined in many divorce cases is whether alimony payments or child support payments are necessary. These payments are considered necessary depending upon the income levels of the spouses, the capacity for each person to earn an income, and the physical and financial needs of the children. A separation agreement or a court order will outline the payment amount as well as how long the support payments will last.

Child Custody Arrangements

There are several different kinds of child custody arrangements that may be made during the divorce process in California. The common types of custody arrangements are physical custody, legal custody, sole custody, joint custody and split custody.

Physical custody means that a parent has the legal right to have a child live with them in their home. Legal custody includes allowing the parent to make choices on their child’s behalf. Sole custody only allows for one parent to have both physical and legal custody of the child and usually only occurs if one parent is unfit or potentially harmful.

Joint custody gives both parents the legal right to physical and legal custody of their child. Split custody can occur, giving parents sole custody but for different children.

When it comes to determining child custody, there are several things that the judge will consider before making their decision. The primary concern that will affect the final decision is that the child or children are safe and well cared for.

Some of the things that will play a part in the decision are the child’s age, their health status, their emotional relationship with each parent, and if there is a history of abuse or negligence. If the child is an appropriate age, then the judge may take the child’s wishes into account.

Adoption and Guardianship

If you are wanting to adopt in California, there are many legal steps that must be followed. The individual wanting to adopt must file a petition for adoption and must be granted consent by the biological parents’ permission to adopt the child. Parents wanting to adopt must also complete a mandatory home study to ensure that their home is a safe and nurturing environment for the child. A court hearing will also take place as part of the finalization of the adoption.

While adoption is a rewarding process, it can also be a costly, complicated, and lengthy one. With the help of a family lawyer, the process may go smoother, with support and guidance throughout the process of meeting all the legal requirements.

Guardianship is another legal process involving non-biological parents to provide care for a child. This may become necessary in the event that a parent is no longer able to care for their children. Being established as a guardian includes filing a petition and receiving legal rights to become a child’s guardian. Like adoption, guardianship allows you the legal right to provide and care for the child as if they were your biological child.

Consult with a California Family Lawyer

There are many areas that family law includes that our dedicated legal team can help you resolve. Whether you need assistance with getting a legal separation, property division in a high-net-worth divorce, or need help obtaining child support, a Costa Mesa family lawyer from the Law Offices of Lisa R. McCall can help you. Contact us today for more information.